Unmissable secret spots in Rajasthan

Hidden in the courtyard of Chandeleo Garh, a charming boutique hotel near Jodhpur, I came across Sundar Rang. This little craft centre is every bit as inspiring as it is beautiful. Here, local women come together to create traditional Rajasthani crafts from offcuts and leftover fabrics from city workshops. The result is a collection of gorgeous bags, purses, and textiles, all stitched with the Kantha technique and sold both locally and worldwide. It really was such an honour to visit.What struck me most wasn’t just the craftsmanship, though – it was the sense of community. Sitting in a circle, chatting and laughing as they worked, these women were building something more than just products. They were building friendships, confidence, and independence. Knowing that a percentage of the profits goes directly to them really makes every purchase feel meaningful, and I’d really recommend including a visit here if you have the time. (I don’t need to tell you that I bought lots!)

If you’re looking for something a little quirky, cheeky, ridiculous and full of joy, the Monkey Train in Central Rajasthan is a real treat. Running between Marwar and Kamlighat, this narrow-gauge railway winds its way through the Aravalli hills, offering up views that get more breathtaking with every turn. I spent most of the journey standing in the open doorway, taking in the views with the wind in my hair, feeling a wonderful sense of connection to all the travellers who have journeyed along this route since 1930. I know that will be one of those travel memories that really sticks around for me.It won’t take long for the train’s quirky name to make perfect sense once you’re on board. At Kamlighat Station, troops of cheeky monkeys gather, all on the lookout for whatever tasty snack they can get their hands on from passing travellers. Watching them interact with the locals is such pure comedy gold, it’s worth the journey alone. And the adventure doesn’t stop when the train does – your hotel will often send a traditional vehicle to collect you from the station, sometimes even with a picnic stop included on the way back. It’s an authentic and light-hearted way to soak up Rajasthan’s natural beauty and rural life; I can’t recommend it enough.

At first glance, Jojowar might look like just another sleepy village, but join a guided walk in the late afternoon and you’ll experience its real local spirit come to life. You’ll amble past farmers making their way home from a hard day’s work in the fields, cows ambling along the lanes, all as the gentle hum of daily life fills the air. Cotton mills start up, women bustle around their homes, and shopkeepers sit outside sharing stories from the day with their neighbours.I stayed at Rawla Jojowar, a small, fortress-like hotel tucked right in the heart of the village. It was simple but full of warmth, and the manager’s hospitality made it feel like a true home from home. Exploring Jojowar gave me such a real window into everyday life in rural Rajasthan – a reminder that sometimes, it’s the quietest places that leave the deepest impression. I hugely recommend including it in your India holiday itinerary if you can; it’s something really special.

Of course, there’s a reason that places like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer are must-visits in Rajasthan. Jaipur's grand palaces and colourful bazaars offer a wonderful introduction to the state, while Jodhpur's blue-painted old town and mighty fort are even more impressive in real life than they look in the photos. Udaipur's lakeside setting makes it one of India's most romantic cities, and Jaisalmer's golden sandstone fort seems to rise straight out of the desert itself.I wouldn't suggest skipping any of them. In fact, they form the backbone of many of the Rajasthan holidays I design. But what I discovered on my journey was that the real magic often happens in the journeys between these famous places.

Don’t get me wrong, Rajasthan’s famous cities are incredible. But it’s these lesser-known places that really capture the heart of the state. This is where history feels alive, where communities flourish, and where you can connect with the land and its people in a way that feels truly personal.If you’re planning a trip to Rajasthan, make sure to leave space for the unexpected. Wander off the beaten path, pay a visit to that little village, hop on that quirky train. You’ll thank yourself later!